Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus Revitalized for 119th Congress

Strategic Insights -

As the United States marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a powerful storm that devastated the Gulf Coast and left a trail of destruction, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) has reformed the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus. This move comes as the nation grapples with the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, emphasizing the need for cross-party collaboration to address the issue.

The caucus, comprising Reps. Joe Neguse (D-CO), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), aims to promote legislation and policies that provide efficient and equitable relief for disaster survivors. The co-chairs, who have directly navigated the disaster recovery process, will advocate for disaster preparedness measures and programs that save lives and strengthen systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-La.) has reformed the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus for the 119th Congress, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan collaboration in addressing the nation's disaster preparedness and recovery systems.
  • The caucus will have co-chairs from both parties, including Reps. Joe Neguse (D-CO), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Carlos A. Gimenez (R-FL), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), representing regions prone to various natural disasters.
  • The co-chairs will work together to advocate for effective disaster preparedness and recovery measures and programs that best serve the American people without leaving anyone behind.
  • Rep. Moskowitz, an emergency manager, has highlighted the need for reform in the emergency management system, emphasizing the importance of tools for preparedness and response.
  • The caucus is critical in addressing the nation's disaster preparedness and recovery systems, particularly in response to increasing numbers of natural disasters, such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes.
  • The group will focus on developing common-sense policies that keep disaster-prone communities safe, including rapid and reliable resources during hurricane season.
  • The revitalized caucus will work across the aisle to advance legislation and policies that provide efficient, equitable relief for disaster survivors and promote measures that pave the path for impacted communities to make a full recovery.

Statistics:

  • 20 years: the number of years since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast.
  • 4 members: the number of co-chairs of the Bipartisan Congressional Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Caucus, representing both parties.
  • 20,000 square miles: the estimated area affected by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana alone.

Sources:

  • "WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The following information was released by the office of Louisiana Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr.:"
  • Rep. Carter's statement on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina
  • Rep. Moskowitz's statement on the importance of reforming the emergency management system
  • Rep. Neguse's statement on the need for disaster preparedness measures
  • Rep. Gimenez's statement on the importance of rapid and reliable resources during hurricane season